How to play footvolley

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Footvolley is played with a Mikasa FT-5 or FT-5 Pro Ball. You play the ball with your head, chest, thighs and feet in maximum 3 passes over a net of 2.20 meters. Ideally, you play 2 against 2, barefoot in the sand, on a beach volleyball court of 8 x 16 meters.

The game starts with a service from the ground behind the service line. You can build a heap in the sand of which you can serve by foot. While serving the ball it is allowed to touch the edge of the net. The receiving team is allowed to return the ball immediately but 3 contacts (reception - setup - attack) are preferable. The same player cannot touch the ball two times in a row, that means no juggling. You can use all body parts except your hands and arms. During a rally it's not allowed to touch the net with your body or the point goes to the opponent.

You can score a point when the ball touches the ground on the opponents side within or on the lines. You also score a point when the opponent is unable to play the ball over to your side in maximum three touches. Every attack should pass in between the antennas on top of the net. If the ball touches the antenna, the point goes to the opponent.

You count the points according the rally point system. This means that a team can score a point in every rally whether or not they are serving. The first player keeps serving until a point is lost. When this team regains the service the second player has to serve. Alternating the service is obligated and the referee must keep track of which player has to serve.

In general a team that first wins 2 sets wins the game. One set is won when a team reaches 18 points. When the score is 17-17 they keep playing until the difference is 2 points. To improve the spectacle there are no killer points. In case of a tie (both teams have won 1 set) a third decisive set of 15 points must be played. When the score is 14-14 they keep playing until the difference is 2 points.

Teams change sides every 6 points (in a set of 18) or every 5 points (in a set of 15). This to avoid benefiting from the wind or the (sun)light. Before the game the referee will hold a draw to decide which team starts serving.

Good balance and flexibility is important to control the ball. Photo: Vitor Pina.

Good balance and flexibility is important to control the ball. Photo: Vitor Pina.